THE FIREPLACE OF FELLOWSHIP

THE FIREPLACE OF FELLOWSHIP 

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:........" Proverbs  26:20 (KJV)

"Some people have stopped meeting with the group of Christians. But that is not good. We should all continue to meet together. We need to help one another to be strong and brave. That is now even more important, because the Lord's great day is coming. You know that the Lord will return soon"  - Hebrews 10:25 (EASY)

Early this week, while reflecting on the low turn out of brethren for the last Holy Communion and mid week services, the Holy Spirit flashed the above powerful scriptures and story below into my mind: 

A pastor was concerned about the absence of a man who had always attended all church services. After a few weeks, he decided to visit him. When the pastor arrived at the man’s home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a fireplace. The pastor pulled up a chair and sat next to him. But after his initial greeting he said nothing more. The two sat in silence for a few minutes while the pastor stared at the flames in the fireplace. Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth. He sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded. Before long it was cold and dead. The pastor glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire. Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor rose to leave, his host stood with him and shook his hand. Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, “Thanks for the sermon, pastor. I’ll see you in church on Sunday.” - (By David H. Roper, Our Daily Bread, September 22, 2003)

According to Proverbs 26:20, one of the easiest way to put out a glowing fire is to remove the wood (which is the fuel source) from the fireplace. So, when an individual is separated or disconnected from his/her fuel source, the fire of God's mercy, glory and, honour burning around the fellow gradually dies off. For example, when King Asa allowed ego, pride and stubbornness to remove his wood from the fire, the flies of infirmity perched on his life and he never recovered (2 Chronicles 16:12). Also, when Jeshurun allowed the tongs of worldly pleasure and comfort to pull him out of regular walk and fellowship with God, his blazing flame of greatness was quenched and God deleted him completely (Deuteronomy 32:15).

Friends, have you turned your back on God like king Asa and Jeshurun? Have you stopped attending fellowship with believers? When was the last time you attended Bible Study, Faith Clinic (prayer meeting), Sunday School, House Fellowship and Holy Communion service? Why are you living a secluded and independence life? Haven't you realised that your wood is no longer glowing/burning for God as it used to. Yes, your wood is getting colder every passing minute and may soon become lifeless and useless if nothing is done urgently about it. Although, you still exhibit some traces of brilliance and smartness, but very soon it will become obvious that your fire has been put out. Why not humble yourself like the man in the above story and go back to God and fellowship with the brethren this week. I am very sure that your friends, fellow believers, ministers, pastors and of course God will be very glad that you did.

"When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God ,” my heart leaped for joy". - Psalm 122:1-2 (MSG)

A Chinese preacher and hymnist- Witness Lee summarises the above testimony of King David in his wonderful hymn titled - "The Church". Please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this great hymn below as we trust God to ignite in us genuine passion for His presence through fellowship with the brethren regularly like king David. 

THE CHURCH  by Witness Lee (1905 - 1997)

I long for fellowship in spirit,
That mingled with the saints I’ll be,
Long to be saved from independence
And to be built with saints in Thee.

I long for fellowship in spirit,
That opened shall my spirit be,
Long to be rescued from seclusion,
And with the saints to worship Thee.

I long for fellowship in spirit,
Long that my spirit forth may come,
Long to be saved from self-deception,
And every hindrance overcome.

I long for fellowship in spirit,
With saints in spirit thus to pray,
Long for deliv’rance from pretention,
Long for true fellowship today.

I long for fellowship in spirit,
Long thus to know authority;
Long for true fellowship in service,
Coordinated thus to be.

O Lord, fulfill our hearts deep longing,
Saints for such fellowship inspire,
That we may realize Thy building
And soon fulfill Thy heart’s desire.

As that great day of Christ return approaches,  my prayer for you and my humble self is that our love for God and fellowship with the brethren will never wax cold. And as we made ourselves available regularly at the fireplace of fellowship, God will keep the fire of His glory, grace, power and mercy burning around us till we see Him in glory in Jesus name. Amen

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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